Burglar stole two pedigree puppies from Great Lever house

Craig Carey, aged 23, denied burgling the home in Blackwood Street, Great Lever, despite his blood being found on a blind near a window that had been smashed during the break-in.

Shihtzu puppies and a television were stolen. Carey, of Lorne Street, Wigan, who had been remanded in custody following his arrest, was unanimously convicted of the crime by a jury of seven men and five women.

Iain Simkin, prosecuting, said the crime happened after the owner Deborah Naylor left her home at 9.30pm on September 1 last year. Police were alerted after the home appeared to have been burgled as smash glass was spotted.

When Carey was interviewed by police he gave no comment answers. He later claimed his blood was on the blind for a legitimate reason, Bolton Crown Court heard during the two-day trial.